2. amps-preamps
  3. 175461-107223

Primaluna or Octave to drive Dynaudio X34s

I love my Dyn X34s. Have been happily driving them last couple of years with a Musical Fidelity M5si. Getting upgrade itch and if I do upgrade I want to make sure I get ROI on investment and get a different sound. I have always enjoyed tube demos when I have heard them and liked the sound. My understanding of my speakers is they need heavy current to be driven properly.  Current room is 10 x 12. I'd be interested to hear informed opinions from Dynaudio users or dealers on ideal tube pairings. Based on initial research im looking at Primaluna EVO line (200, 300 or 400) or Octave v40/v70. Which Primaluna would be best? Which Octave? What about the Octave vs. Primaluna debate to pair with Dyns? Any options I should be considering? I know there are a few Raven fans on here but I'd prefer to support a local dealer here in Atlanta. 


Current System:

Dyn X34

Musical Fidelity M5si

Rega Planar 2 with Bias 2 cart

Bluesound Node 2

uncrocco

Showing 1 response by audioquest4life

audioquest4life
726 posts
 

I was an octave MRE 130 with Super Black Box owner for years. I was driving B&W Nautilus 800 with great synergy. The B&Ws were 89db efficient. When I lived in Germany, Octave would host an Octave forum at the factory and we would all meet to discuss our equipment and all things Octave. Many folks in Germany who part of that forum in Germany pair Octave with Dynaudio and  greatly enjoy that combination. Might be a clue as to what others who own Octave are using.

I agree that the V70 with Super Black Box would be the minimum Octave product to match with your Dynaudio speakers if those are the speakers you plan on keeping for a while. If you like the sound of your Dynaudio X34s, then experiment with these other amps if possible to see what matches and synthesizes with your tastes. Otherwise, roll the dice and see if like them. 
 

I have since went in an entirely different directions with my system. Sold my Octave  and B&W and now own McIntosh MC2301 paired with Classic Audio Loudspeakers  T1.5 reference. I am done. 
 

Good luck. 

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